By Naomi Anzaku.
The Nigeria Defence Academy Officers’ Wives Association (NDAOWA) has organised a breast cancer awareness programme to educate women on the importance of early detection and timely treatment.
The programme, held at the Lt. General OO Oluyede Army Wing, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Afaka, Kaduna State, was organised as part of activities marking World Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the theme, “Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters.”
Speaking at the event, the NDAOWA Coordinator, Mrs Oritseseyisan Adeola Olatoye, said the programme was aimed at equipping women with the knowledge needed to identify early signs of breast cancer and seek medical attention promptly.
She reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote women’s health and improve lives.
In her presentation, the guest speaker, Dr Zainab Akani, emphasised the importance of early detection in improving breast cancer treatment outcomes.
She advised women to report any unusual changes in their breasts to a hospital immediately and encouraged regular breast self-awareness and examination.
Dr Akani also identified genetic factors, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, lifestyle choices and excessive alcohol consumption among factors associated with breast cancer. She urged participants to share the information with other women to promote awareness and save lives.
Two breast cancer survivors and advocates, Gladys Ameh and Bola Williams, also shared their experiences, encouraging women to overcome the fear and stigma associated with the disease and seek medical attention early.
They explained that breast cancer detected at an early stage is generally easier to treat than advanced-stage cancer.
The survivors, however, expressed concern over the high cost of treatment and appealed to the NDAOWA Coordinator to facilitate the establishment of a breast cancer screening centre at NDA Afaka.
They called for the provision of a mammogram machine and access to medical consultants who could offer affordable screening and treatment services.
In his goodwill message, the Commander of the NDA Hospital commended the NDAOWA Coordinator and the Commandant of the Academy for organising the programme, describing it as a valuable initiative capable of saving lives.
He urged participants to take the lessons seriously and share the knowledge gained with others.
The programme also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, during which Dr Fatima Idris and the guest speaker, Dr Zainab Akani, responded to questions from participants.
Editing By Abubakar Hamza.
